Filed under: Accessories, Audio, iPod Family, Peripherals, iPhone
Apple finally offers in-ear headphones for sale
We were recently wondering what happened to the in-ear headphones that Apple promised way back in September. Today, we're happy to see that the online Apple Store is finally offering them for sale with free shipping and delivery listed as 7-10 days. These headphones promise to be of higher quality than the standard buds that ship with the iPhone. In addition to better drivers and sound isolation they include the new combo mic / remote that offers volume control on certain late model iPods (basically, the presently shipping models only). If you manage to grab a pair let us know what you think.
[via Engadget]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Tim said 12:07PM on 12-02-2008
I'm not sure why you compared these to the iphone headphones...they're not compatible with the iphone according to Apple.
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William said 12:11PM on 12-02-2008
They're still not compatible with the iPhone? Does anyone know why this is?
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Alex said 12:27PM on 12-02-2008
I'll second that question.
From what I can recall it was said they would work just fine, only the volume control wouldn't. If that's the only downside, I'll still buy them, have been waiting fou-ever for this.
Tariq said 1:05PM on 12-02-2008
I think it's just an error. During the keynote, Steve said they would work with the iPhone. As for the volume controls, it doesn't seem like there are any physical limitations that would prevent you from using them; only software should need updating (unless it already is capable, I know they added the ability to rewind with 3 clicks, maybe they added volume control, too).
mabhatter said 6:39PM on 12-02-2008
not gen 1 iPhone or touch, only gen 2. Somebody pulled apart them for us a while back and there are more pins on the new models of headphone jack to match the new headphones.
Don't know what happens to iPhone 1 users that want upgrades to the special iphone only ones for the gen 1 iPhone.
William said 7:05PM on 12-02-2008
Apple's site doesn't mention compatibility with ANY iPhone, 1st generation or 2nd generation. Where is compatibility with any iPhone listed?
Ben said 12:16PM on 12-02-2008
$79.99? Really? They better be higher quality than the standard buds for that price.
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Galley said 12:25PM on 12-02-2008
Compare that price to other dual-driver models, and you'll see that it is very competitive.
Andy said 12:48PM on 12-02-2008
they're bound to be garbage. remember when the ipod first came out and apple went on about how their earphones contained some rare magnetic property that meant they were better than the competition? as if. the couple of times I've had to send my shure e4c's in for repair and therefore have had to resort to using the supplied apple earphones in the meantime I've been disgusted at how bad they are. Sure I appreciate they can't compare, but it does make me laugh at how awful the ipods of anyone that continues to use Apple earphones must sound.
badjoke said 1:46PM on 12-02-2008
Saying that they're better than the packaged-in earbuds essentially means nothing. Those are trash. $80 seems outrageous.
brett said 12:25PM on 12-02-2008
Myphonies!!!
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rTwelve xbl:Chilblane said 12:32PM on 12-02-2008
Alright. Next on the vapor docket: push notification service???
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Joe said 2:13PM on 12-02-2008
yes please
matthew.derek.nelson said 12:37PM on 12-02-2008
From Apple's site:
Compatibility Information - The remote and mic are supported only by iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic (120GB), and iPod touch (2nd generation). Audio is supported by all iPod models.
I don't understand why, if they have a mic and remote, they wouldn't be compatible with the iPhone. I would hope they could solve this with a software update. If not, I really hope Apple plans on releasing a model specifically for the iPhone.
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Big John said 12:41PM on 12-02-2008
Can't wait for these to finally get into someone's hands to finally put an end to the "WHAT?! NO iPHONE SUPPORT?!" comments.
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pumpkinwhite said 12:43PM on 12-02-2008
They say its not compatible with iphone because the volume controls won't work with the iphone. The mic and the button for play/pause (or receive/end call) will still work. These headphones have buttons for volume control and apple doesn't want people thinking something is wrong with their iphones when the volume controls won't work.
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daniel.jay said 12:48PM on 12-02-2008
that's not correct according to apple's own compatibility info. See matthew.derek.nelson above
floydstyle said 12:44PM on 12-02-2008
At that price range, I'd rather buy sennheiser MX300 or JBL reference 220
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ziggyonice said 12:44PM on 12-02-2008
Apple: Issue a software update to make these compatible with the iPhone.
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Andy said 12:51PM on 12-02-2008
when you figured it out, let me know how to update the software on a pair of earphones?